Early Childhood 2024 Teacher Preparation Course
Overview
Seton Montessori Institute’s Early Childhood Course prepares self-aware adults for work with children from two-and-a-half through six years of age. Seton’s programs are faithful to Montessori’s global vision and design while cultivating a spirit of scientific inquiry. Our mission is the formation of Montessori educators who will inspire and guide children in their total development as citizens of tomorrow’s world.
Application and Interview process
Submit an application. This includes:
Completed Application for Admission form
$100 non-refundable application fee
Official transcript (or evaluation report for foreign educational credential) in the sealed issuing envelope
Three reference forms or letters of recommendation (can be emailed to Institute@SetonMontessori.org)
After the complete application and materials are reviewed, institute faculty will contact the applicant to schedule an interview. Non-native English speakers must have a solid command of the English language (the equivalent of a TOEFL score of 72 or higher).
Educational Qualifications
Those applying for a full credential must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Candidates who do not yet hold a Bachelor’s degree can apply for the Associate level credential but should check with their local state officials and practicum site administration to verify requirements for lead teachers. For complete information on qualifications and credentials, see the current student catalog.
Application Deadlines
Spring Start: March 1, 2024; Summer Start: May 1, 2024
Note: A $200 late enrollment fee applies to all applications processed after the published deadline.
Academics
Orientation and Independent Study
Upon admission to the course, each student will complete an online orientation and independent study assignments as scheduled.
Beginning Academics (candidates choose from a spring or summer start):
Spring Start
Online: April 6, 2024 – June 5, 2024
Saturday 8:30 – 10:30 am CT & Wednesday 6:30 – 8:30 pm CT
On campus: July 7* – July 26, 2024
@ Benedictine University in Lisle, IL
Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CT (*Sunday, half day)
Continued Academic Seminars:
Online: October 11 – 14, 2024
On campus: November 7 – 12, 2024
@ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL
On campus: March 29 – April 2, 2025
Additional Online Coursework:
Program Leadership & Practicum Meeting
Group meets every other Thursday 6:30 – 8:30 pm CT from September through May
Summer Start
Online: June 10 – 20, 2024
Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CT (ends on a Thursday)
On campus: July 7* – July 26, 2024
@ Benedictine University in Lisle, IL
Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CT (*Sunday, half day)
Continued Academic Seminars:
Online: October 11 – 14, 2024
On campus: November 7 – 12, 2024
@ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL
On campus: March 29 – April 2, 2025
@ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL
Additional Online Coursework:
Program Leadership & Practicum Meeting
Group meets every other Thursday 6:30 – 8:30 pm CT from September through May
Practicum
A standard student teaching practicum consists of a minimum of nine consecutive months and 540 classroom hours working under a qualified supervising teacher at a Montessori school selected by the student-teacher and approved by the Practicum Coordinator. The environment needs to provide a full complement of appropriate Montessori materials and serve the age range of the certification. Practicum may not precede the completion of required academics.
A self-directed practicum is sometimes arranged when a qualified supervising teacher is unavailable. Approval of this two-year commitment is based on a review of the needs of the situation, giving consideration to the candidate’s prior qualifications, a written request from the head of school, and the design of an alternate program of support for the candidate. There is an additional $1,375 fee, and spaces for self-directed practicums are limited.
Tuition Information
Total Tuition and Fees: $8,686
$8,250 Tuition plus $436 Certification/Membership Fees (MACTE Fee: $176; AMS Adult Learner Fee: $260). Self-Directed Practicum fee will be billed when applicable.
MACTE and AMS Adult Learner Fees are set by each organization and are subject to change.
Payment Schedule
Application Fee - $100 (due with application submission)
Initial Payment - $2,936 (due at enrollment)
Balance of Tuition (choose one)
Plan 1:
One payment of $5,750 due prior to academics
(March 29, 2024, for spring start or June 3, 2024, for summer start)
Plan 2:
Three installments of $1,916.67 due:
March 29, 2024, for spring start; June 3, 2024, for summer start
July 1, 2024
October 1, 2024
Refund Policy
The $100 application fee is non-refundable. Written notification of withdrawal must be submitted to receive a refund of prepaid tuition. See the full refund policy in the Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Course Catalog.
Additional Financial Notes:
Tuition payments received more than five business days after the payment due date will result in a $25 late payment fee. Checks returned for any reason will result in a $25 returned check fee.
Practicum visits to sites in the continental United States over 150 miles from Seton Montessori Institute require a travel expense fee of $275 per visit. This is non-refundable and due prior to the visit.
Checks or money orders are accepted for all payments. Cash and credit cards are not accepted.
Accreditation and Affiliation
Seton Montessori Institute is affiliated with American Montessori Society (AMS), accredited by Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), which is recognized by the US Department of Education, and approved to operate by the Private Business and Vocational Schools Division of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).
(Course requirements must be completed by August 31, 2026)